Jim McElwain has ‘classic’ exchange with Steve Spurrier before SEC Media Days

HOOVER, Ala. — Before leaving Tuesday for SEC Media Days, Florida coach Jim McElwain received some words of encouragement from none other than Steve Spurrier.

During his 23 years at Florida and South Carolina, Spurrier became one of the most entertaining coaches in Hoover with witty one-liners, colorful comments and trash talk.

Spurrier challenged McElwain to uphold his standard this year.

“Well, I gotta tell you,” McElwain said Tuesday when asked about Spurrier. “On the way out the door today as he was headed to the golf course, he said, ‘Mac, do a great job there at the ol’ talkin’ season.’ I thought that was classic.”

Spurrier rejoined the Gators football program last July as an ambassador and consultant.

“He’s been great,” McElwain said of Spurrier. “He’s good for the whole department. Initially when I knew there was that opportunity, I went to [former athletics director] Jeremy Foley and said we’ve got to hire this guy.

“I drive by his statue every single day for Christ’s sake. He is Florida football in a lot of ways. So having him back home and being part of it is just special.”